Getting sick while traveling in another country can be stressful, especially when you don’t speak the local language.

Fortunately, Korean pharmacies are relatively easy to recognize, and pharmacists can help with many common medication questions.

But there are a few things every traveler should know before visiting one.

Here are five practical rules for using pharmacies in Korea.

Rule 1 — Look for the 약국 Sign

약국 (Yakguk) = Pharmacy

When you need a pharmacy in Korea, look for a sign displaying the Korean word 약국.

You can also search for 약국 in Naver Map or KakaoMap to find nearby locations.

Pharmacies sell medicines and provide professional advice about their use. Unlike an ordinary cosmetics or convenience store, a pharmacy is staffed by a pharmacist.

If you’re looking for a specific medication, check with the pharmacist rather than assuming a product that looks familiar contains the same ingredients.

The rule: Need medicine? Search for 약국, not just a general drugstore.

Rule 2 — Show a Photo or Use a Translation App

You don’t need to speak fluent Korean to visit a pharmacy.

VISITKOREA recommends using a translation app or showing a picture of the medicine you’re looking for.

You can also show the pharmacist the active ingredients listed on your current medication.

When explaining what you need, mention any allergies, other medicines you’re taking, and relevant medical conditions.

If the exact product isn’t available in Korea, ask whether there is an appropriate alternative rather than choosing one yourself.

The rule: Show the ingredients, explain your needs, and let the pharmacist check.

Useful Korean phrases

약국이 어디예요?	Where is the pharmacy?
약사님 계세요?	Is the pharmacist here?
이 약 있어요?	Do you have this medicine?
영어로 설명해 주실 수 있나요?	Could you explain it in English?

Rule 3 — Know When You Need a Prescription

Not every medicine is available without a prescription.

Korean pharmacies sell over-the-counter medicines, but prescription-only medications generally require a prescription from a doctor licensed to practise in Korea.

If you need treatment for an ongoing condition, bring details of your existing medication and medical records when traveling. An overseas prescription can help explain your treatment, but don’t assume a Korean pharmacy can dispense prescription medication from it.

For medicines you can buy over the counter, ask the pharmacist about the correct product and any precautions. Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety publishes medication information covering how to use common over-the-counter medicines, possible side effects, and interactions.

The rule: If your medicine requires a prescription, plan for a medical consultation rather than relying on an overseas prescription alone.

Rule 4 — Sick at Night? Find an Open Pharmacy First

Not all pharmacies stay open late, and many have different weekend and holiday hours.

If you need a pharmacy at night, use Korea’s emergency medical information services to find one that is open.

The Korean Pharmaceutical Association operates Pharm114, a holiday pharmacy search service. Korea’s E-Gen service also provides information about pharmacies and medical facilities that are open outside normal hours.

Useful pharmacy search services

Pharm114
Holiday and late-night pharmacy searchOpen website

E-Gen
Emergency medical facilities and open pharmaciesOpen website

Always call the pharmacy before visiting when possible. Listed operating hours may change, particularly during public holidays.

If you have a serious or rapidly worsening medical problem, don’t delay emergency medical care while searching for a pharmacy. Call 119 for emergency assistance in Korea.

The rule: Check opening hours before visiting, especially at night or on holidays.

Rule 5 — Check the Instructions Before Taking Medicine

Medication names and packaging may be unfamiliar when you’re traveling.

Even if a Korean product appears similar to one you use at home, check its active ingredients and strength before taking it.

Ask the pharmacist about:

• How much to take and how often.
• Whether to take it with food.
• Possible side effects.
• Interactions with other medicines.
• Any special precautions for your medical circumstances.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety provides multilingual information on commonly used over-the-counter medicines, including instructions and safety precautions.

The rule: Never guess the dose or combine unfamiliar medicines without professional advice.

The KoreaRule

FIND → EXPLAIN → CHECK → CONFIRM → USE SAFELY

Find a pharmacy, explain what you need, check prescription requirements, confirm the instructions, and seek medical care when necessary.

Looking for everyday essentials while traveling in Korea?
→ See our convenience store rules tourists should know.

Before You Visit a Pharmacy

• Search for 약국 on a Korean map app.
• Bring a photo or the packaging of your existing medicine.
• Tell the pharmacist about allergies and other medications.
• Check whether your medicine requires a prescription.
• Confirm the pharmacy’s opening hours.
• Ask for clear instructions before taking anything.

FAQ

Can foreigners buy medicine at Korean pharmacies?

Yes. Tourists can buy medicines that are available over the counter. Prescription-only medicines generally require an appropriate prescription.

Can I communicate with pharmacists in English?

Some pharmacies in tourist areas offer English or other language assistance, but availability varies. A translation app and a photo of your medication can help.

Are Korean pharmacies open on Sundays?

Some are, but operating hours vary. Pharm114 and E-Gen can help you find open pharmacies, including on weekends and public holidays.

Can I use a prescription from my home country?

Bring it as medical documentation, but don’t assume it can be used directly to obtain prescription medicine in Korea. You may need to visit a Korean doctor.

What should I do if I become seriously ill in Korea?

Seek medical attention rather than relying on over-the-counter medicine. For an emergency, call 119.

Sources

VISITKOREA — Pharmacy Guide in Korea
Official Korea Tourism Organization guidance on communicating with pharmacists, using translation apps, and finding pharmacies at night. Published in 2024.

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — Over-the-Counter Medication Information
Official multilingual information about common nonprescription medicines, dosage instructions, side effects, and precautions.

Pharm114 — Korean Pharmaceutical Association
Official holiday pharmacy search service.

E-Gen — Emergency Medical Information
National emergency medical information service for finding open pharmacies and medical facilities. The Ministry of Health and Welfare also identifies it as a resource for holiday medical services.